Agility based software development for truss design

Abstract

This article describes the development of an application for structural analysis of tubular trussed girders. Such structural components are widely used on roofs for which long span components are a necessity, e. g., supermarkets, distribution centers, etc. The application supplies hints to the project engineers as to the most economic solutions for a combination of span, loads, and other characteristics. Software development techniques are also explored. Such techniques can be divided into two large groups. In the first one, which is most widely known and used, software development complies with very rigid planning, where processes are more important than skills. This methodology is known as the Rigorous Development System (RDS). The second group, called Agile Development System (ADS), is conceived as an option for those not aligned with the RDS rules. This text describes the experience of an ADS based software development for truss design. In Section 2, the basis of ADS is presented. Section 3 describes the truss design application and civil engineering related concepts. Section 4 brings an example illustrating the application. Conclusions are in Section 5.